The World Environment Day celebrations in Qatar started off with a bang as the Talent Contest showcased an array of fresh young talents, representing over 30 schools in group and individual categories last 20-21 May 2011, respectively at the Student Center of the Education City. With positive themes, music and dance performances entertained parents and guests. Winners are set to receive cash prizes, special gifts, certificates and trophies at the Awarding and Closing Ceremony on 5th June 2011 at the Qatar National Theatre. Winners of the Group Category for Music last 20 May are as follows; First (1st) Place is Feba & Group and Second (2nd) Place is Shruthy & Group, both representing MES Indian School. Winners of the Group Category for Dance are as follows; First (1st) Place is Ideal Indian School – Zefayas, Second (2nd) Place is DMIS Dance Group and Summit Academy’s Bop It as Runner Up. A total of 15 groups made the whole event so much fun and memorable with their exciting performances. Out of 34 performers, the winners of the Individual Category captivated the judges and audience. Nadir A. Salam-MES Indian School takes First (1st) Place, Julia Louise Tabo of Philippine International School Qatar on Second (2nd) Place and Maya Mason of Doha British Montessori School on Third (3rd) Place. A group of reputable musicians and artists in Qatar comprised the panel of judges for the Talent Contest namely: Kurt Meister Executive Director of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO); Mohammed Ali Al Naimi, Stage Manager of QPO; Dmitri Torchinsky Musician from QPO, Ozgur Mert Esen (Faculty Member) and Kathy Grant (Librarian and Music Teacher) from Qatar Music Academy; Adil Tigane, Director, Friends of the Environment Centre; Tove Lojander Dance Pedagogue & Physiotherapist and Dimple Rajesh IAID Dance Director. Inspired by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Academy for Intercultural Development (IAID) continues to organize this event on its fifth year now in association with the Friends of the Environment Centre (FEC) under the auspices of Dr. Saif Ali Al Hajari, Chairman of Friends of the Environment Centre. Al Khaliji the only Bank sponsoring this year’s event, as part of its commitment to the environment and to supporting the next generation of talented youths. Qatar Fertilizer Company (QAFCO) actively joins the WED2011 celebrations as Gold Sponsor. WED2011 is a significant advocacy shared by the collective efforts of IAID, FEC, Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar along with Prize Sponsors, Faber-Castell, Intercontinental Doha, Ramada Plaza Doha, W Hotel with official online partner, iLoveQatar.net and official media partner, Qatar Tribune. For more information, visit WED Celebrations in Qatar official page at www.iloveqatar.net/wed2011.

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar